February 7, 2018 (Council/Committee)

Quick Facts
The Health Unit monitors food affordability annually through the Nutritious Food Basket project. Grocery stores
across the district are surveyed for the cost of select food items consistent with Canada’s Food Guide. The cost of
healthy eating is then compared to local rent rates and various income scenarios.
In Ontario, 64% of households who rely on social assistance experience food insecurity.
1 in 8 Ontario households struggle to put food on the table, even though 59% of these households have income
from employment.
Approximately 75% of food insecure households do not use food banks. Those who do use food banks are not more
food secure than those who don’t.
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Media Inquiries
Jolinne Kearns, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705‐474‐1400, ext.2221 or 1‐800‐563‐2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca
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